Element 25, a manganese-focused producer, recently shared an update on its Butcherbird manganese operations. Following an infill drilling program on the site, the company noted a significant increase in its mineral resource estimate. Here are the key points to note:
- Measured and Indicated Resources: Element 25 reported a 142 percent rise in measured and indicated resources, now totaling 130 million tonnes at 10.23 percent manganese.
- Total Resource Estimate: The site hosts a total resource of 274 million tonnes at 10 percent manganese, marking a 6 percent increase from its previous estimate in April 2019.
Element 25’s Managing Director, Justin Brown, highlighted the importance of this update for the project’s financing and mine optimization activities. The Butcherbird operations, located in Western Australia, are a strategic asset for Element 25 as the country’s largest onshore manganese resource.
Moreover, the company is actively progressing with the expansion plans for its Butcherbird operations to 1.1 million tonnes per annum. This includes detailed design, planning, and procurement activities.
An essential aspect of this expansion is to support the development of Element 25’s battery-grade high-purity manganese sulphate monohydrate (HPMSM) refinery in Louisiana, US. The HPMSM refinery has received substantial financial backing, including a US$166 million grant from the US Department of Energy and funding from partners General Motors and Stellantis.
In conclusion, Element 25’s update signifies a significant step forward in expanding its operations and solidifying its position in the manganese market. The continued development and optimization of the Butcherbird project underscore the company’s commitment to sustainable growth and innovation. Stay tuned for more updates on this promising venture!
